Mitchell Santner banking on form ahead of final, says extra travel part of job-OxBig News Network

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner is banking on his team’s form ahead of the Champions Trophy final against India. New Zealand have travelled from Lahore to Dubai on Thursday, March 6, three days ahead of the summit clash.

Speaking to the media after touchdown, Santner said that the team was in a good place after hammering South Africa by 50 runs in the semi-final of the tournament. The left-arm spinner, who is captaining the Kiwis for the first time in an ICC tournament, said that the Dubai surface will offer more grip and turn in the final, but said that his team was ready for a ‘scrap’ on Sunday.

“They’ve played all their games here in Dubai and know that surface. Obviously, the surface will dictate a little bit of how we want to operate. It might be a little bit slower than what we got in Lahore. It might be more of a scrap, but we’re down to scrap,” Santner said after touching base in the city.

Champions Trophy: Full Coverage

However, Santner said New Zealand can take some solace from their experience of playing against India during the group stage. In that instance, India had beaten New Zealand by 44 runs in a Group A match that only carried an academic interest.

“We’ve come against a good side. I think we’ll be better for the run we had the other day against them. We’ve had a bit of a roll on. Hopefully, it continues,” he added.

The team had to shuttle between Pakistan and Dubai for their last group match, semifinal and the final in a short span. But the left-arm spinner said the team has adapted to a busy schedule in the last few days.

“It’s just the general feel of this tournament, moving around a lot. It’s all part of the challenge. I think we’ve been to every place here.

“Obviously, in Pakistan and Dubai. I think the guys understand it’s part of it these days. As long as you’re ready to go for the game, it’s fine,” he said.